Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Leads Delegation to Conakry as 17 Nationals Are Laid to Rest After Dar-es-Salam Landslide

Conakry: Sierra Leone's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, led a government delegation to a national funeral ceremony in Conakry, honoring 17 Sierra Leonean nationals among the 36 confirmed fatalities from the recent Dar-es-Salam landfill collapse. This disaster struck a border community nearly two weeks ago.According to African Press Organization, the funeral service was conducted at the Turkish Mosque in the Bambéto district, followed by burials at Martyrs Cemetery. Accompanying Mr. Swaray were Mr. Morie Lengoh Esq., Minister of Internal Affairs; Madam Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare; Hon. Alpha Kanu, Presidential Spokesperson; and Mr. John Rogers, Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency. The Guinean authorities observed a National Day of Mourning, with senior government officials and bereaved families in attendance.Minister Swaray paid tribute to the deceased compatriots, fourteen men and three women, as confirmed by Gu inea's National Agency for Emergency and Humanitarian Disaster Management Director General. He extended condolences to the bereaved families, expressed gratitude to Guinean authorities for their support in victim identification and care, and reaffirmed Sierra Leone's commitment to maintaining bilateral cooperation and strengthening diplomatic relations.The Guinean government reflected on the national shock following the disaster. Local youth and state emergency services mobilized immediately, with the Head of State, Prime Minister, and cabinet members present on-site to support rescue operations.An official confirmed a final casualty toll of thirty-six deceased as of 4 September, including a female victim who passed away on Monday and another fatality the previous day at Donka Hospital. ANGUCH, in collaboration with Conakry municipal authorities and the Governor, established two reception centers accommodating over 1,600 displaced persons. An official praised Presidential oversight and government coordina tion throughout the emergency response.Conakry Governor MMahawa Sylla delivered her tribute to those who perished in the Dar-es-Salam catastrophe, describing the ceremony as a moment of collective mourning. She extended condolences to the bereaved families, the President of the Republic, and the Guinean populace, and acknowledged the presence of the Sierra Leonean delegation in shared sorrow, concluding with a prayer for eternal repose.Mr. Lancei Touré, representing victims' families, addressed President Mamadi Doumbouya, expressing gratitude for leadership, government support, and the presence of the Governor and Mayors during the crisis. Coffins draped in national flags lined the mosque courtyard as distraught relatives gathered. Following afternoon prayers, remains were taken for burial at Martyrs Cemetery.Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah led the Guinean government delegation, with the diplomatic corps also in attendance.